Cornell to advise potato growers about blight

Late blight is showing up all across western and central New York, which isn't surprising with the constantly wet weather, according to Cornell University.

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By Julie Sherwood

MPNnow

By Julie Sherwood

Posted Aug. 12, 2014 at 4:35 PM

By Julie Sherwood

Posted Aug. 12, 2014 at 4:35 PM

The Cornell Vegetable Program will update potato growers on late blight and what to do about it at a field meeting Aug. 28 in Marion, Wayne County.

Late blight is showing up all across western and central New York, which isn’t surprising with the constantly wet weather, according to a release from Cornell.

The gathering will take place at John Williams Farm on Decker Road, just west of Minstead Road in Marion, at 5:30 p.m. Participants will view a demonstration and Cornell University Potato Specialist Don Halseth will invite grower comments.

Cornell late blight expert, Bill Fry, will talk about strains showing up and the latest in control recommendations.

Colorado potato beetle continues to be a major pest on many potato farms, especially with the development of resistance to the previously very effective Neonicotinoid insecticides. Other Cornell experts will present results of trials and propose an insecticide rotation plan to preserve effective insecticides.

The event includes discussion and state re-certification credits will be available.

The event is sponsored by Gowan Company and Syngenta.

Cost for Cornell Vegetable Program enrollees is $5 for first attendee; $10 for additional attendees from the same farm; and $15 per person if not enrolled in the Cornell Vegetable Program. Pre-register by contacting Angela Parr at aep63@cornell.edu or (585) 394-3977, Ext. 426. For more information, contact Carol MacNeil at (585) 313-8796 or crm6@cornell.edu.